Taiwanese tourists may enter the Philippines visa-free for 14 days starting July 1, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) has announced.

In an advisory dated June 19, MECO said the regulations for Taiwan passport holders were revised in line with its “ongoing review of entry facilitation requirements.”

The reciprocation follows Taiwan’s announcement of its one-year extension of the visa-free entry scheme for Filipino tourists.

“Taiwan passport holders may enter the Philippines for tourism purposes without a visa for a non-extendible and non-convertible period of 14 days,” the advisory read.

Taiwanese tourists need only to present a passport valid for at least six months beyond the contemplated period of stay, confirmed hotel accommodation/booking, proof of financial capacity, and a return or onward ticket to the next country of destination.

For Taiwan passport holders intending to visit the Philippines for more than 14 days or for purposes other than tourism, visa is still required, with the following basic requirements:

– Duly accomplished and signed visa application form;
– Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended period
of stay in the Philippines (original and photocopy of bio-data page);
– Taiwan ID (front and back photocopy);
– Proof of round-trip ticket reservation; and
– Visa application fee

Taiwan had sought reciprocation since it included Philippine passport holders in its visa-free program more than five years ago.

In 2018, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office said introducing a similar scheme to Taiwan would not only boost tourism but also investments into the country.

Based on Department of Tourism data, Taiwan was the Philippines’ seventh top source market for visitor arrivals, with 213,833 Taiwanese tourists recorded in 2024.

In a statement dated June 19, the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the move, saying it was a product of “years of active coordination” with the Philippine side.

The ministry said it expects the new visa program to deepen exchanges on the economy, trade, investment, and tourism.

In the same statement, it reminded Taiwanese nationals to abide by local laws and regulations while in the Philippines and to be mindful of their safety.PNA